Roy Rak Hak Liam Tawan: Episode 1

I think I might already be in love. For being a premier episode, the premise and characters are well established, allowing us to see the story world, the problems that will unfold, as well as how quickly we will get there. That’s what I find awesome about this lakorn, it’s fast paced and we become familiar with the characters by the first episode. Which is a good thing because it’s been a long wait for this drama to finally air, no matter how patient we are forced to be, we just want to get there. Know what I mean? And now that we’re there, I’m a kid in a candy store. Woooo!

I apologize in advance if I’ve butchered the spellings of Japanese names. I’m already struggling to remember all of the characters, and there are very many characters. This lakorn airs Wednesday-Thursday by Maker Group Production and directed by one of my favorite directors, P’Num Krit. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the title song “Cross Love” in Japanese, maybe because I don’t understand it, or maybe because the voice isn’t compelling to me. But I’m glad it’s primarily relegated to the title song, and not songs that we hear playing throughout the show. Now the other two songs, on the other hand, can be played over and over again. Without further ado, let’s get this show on the road!

EPISODE 1 RECAP

We open with a narration that the country (Japan) currently is enjoying peace due to the camaraderie between two powerful families, the Onitsuka and Misawa. They are fierce, unafraid of death and completely willing to sacrifice their own lives to protect their territories. We get a feeling that this “bond” is being held by an imaginary string and may snap at any given moment. Onitsuka (Chai Chatayodom) and Misawa (Dom Hetrakul) are friends who shake hands with wariness. Perhaps their friendship is more of ‘keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.’ Since the country is held at peace by mafias (whether good or bad), it’s common knowledge that power can be easily shaken.

Pan to a sunny day at the fruit stand where our heroine, Praewdao (Taew Nataporn), recently started her part time job. She also uses the name “Seiko” for her Japanese friends/acquaintances in case her Thai name is too much of a mouthful. When in Rome.. .

As she wheels her bike around town on her delivery route – however unfamiliar with the surrounding she may be – Praewdao stops in the middle of the road, searching for the correct street. Not the smartest thing to do as a black car nearly hits her. She goes crashing to the ground, while an angry man yells at her for stopping in the way of incoming cars. But immediately another man steps out of the back seat and warns his guard to stay down, he’s our hero, Takeshi (Mario Maurer). Well hello handsome.

He comes around the car and helps her from the ground. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Praewdao is apologetic, “I’m okay. I was the one who stopped in the middle of the road, my apologies for not being more careful. Is your car okay? I can take responsibility for it (for any damages.)” Gulps.

But Takeshi waves that thought away, thank god, the car looks expensive and she works at a fruit stand. “My car is fine, but you’re more worrisome.”

He kindly takes her hand and with his handkerchief, Takeshi wipes away the dirt. And the moment he gets a good look at her face, he’s a goner. Cue cute moment! Heh.

His gaze lasts but a few seconds because Ryu sticks his head out the door and reminds Takeshi that they’ve important business to tend to. Nadech Kukimiya! So good to see you!

Takeshi reluctantly lets her hand go, but his eyes never leave hers as he gets back into his car. Praewdao on the other hand, can finally breathe.

Ryu apologizes for interrupting with a coy smile.

The boys are on their way to an important lakorn (traditional performance) opening that Onitsuka is sponsoring. The Misawa is supposed to attend as well but they are running late. Onisuka cannot afford to delay the opening any longer, as this will threaten the respect garnered by the public. And so the show commences, each aisle separated for the two groups.

Misawa group finally arrives and the leader is a bit peeved that Onitsuka could not wait for him. But under gritted teeth, he forgives the other leader because they have to uphold their good mafia image. His group takes a seat and the show continues. The air is quite tense, you can cut it with a knife.

We are introduced to Aiko (Pat Napapa) who is Takeshi’s future betrothed (along with the friendship of the two families, perhaps a marriage between the family is meant to keep the peace going as well.) She cranes her neck searching for her possession – who happens to be quite enthralled by what he’s seeing. Aiko peers at the dancers with anger and orders her brother to take out the dancers because one of them is making eyes at her man. Pfft.

But she’s sadly mistaken, because Takeshi is actually enthralled at what he sees peering behind the curtain. It just so happens that Praewdao made a delivery to the theatre and couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the beautiful dancers. Takeshi, like a silly fool, could not stop his grin from spreading across his face just by looking at her. Ryu notices the bizarre behavior coming from Takeshi and follows his gaze – ha, it’s the girl from the bike incident. With a knowing smile, Ryu teases Takeshi. Oh you, I’m going to love you, aren’t I?

The show ends and the two leaders are called to the stage to take photographs with the performers. Takeshi takes this opportunity to sneak out, with Ryu on his heels. Meanwhile Aiko stares daggers at their backs, wondering if they’re following the dancers. She decides to take some preventative measures and threaten the dancers herself, but thankfully, her brother (who has more sense) orders the guards to stop her from doing anything foolish. At least someone has a leash on her.

With the urging of Ryu, Takeshi finds himself standing before the fruit stand. “Go on,” Ryu encourages.

“I don’t want to bring her trouble,” Takeshi laments, but his feet are rooted to the ground.

Ryu finally concedes that they can head back, but too late, because Praewdao has already greeted them – her new customers.

Ryu pushes Takeshi forward. Heh.

“Oh it’s you,” Praewdao starts. “Are you back for the car damages, by chance?”

He shakes his head, somewhat seeking the higher powers for answers as to why his feet found themselves here.

“That’s a relief,” Praewdao surmises, “it would be expensive to fix your car.” Heh. “Do you need something?”

Takeshi searches around, “Apple.. please?”

Ryu laughs.

“How many?” she questions, ready to procure those apples.
“Four..”

As she gathers the apples, Ryu peers at Takeshi as if saying “apples, really?”

But the girl is too efficient and Takeshi sort of wants to stay here longer. So he asks for oranges next. LOL. I can imagine that he’s going to buy the whole fruit stand, fruit by fruit.

Much to his chagrin, the moment has ended and he must pay for the fruits. The owner of the stand however, notices their faces and immediately rushes to Praewdao and tells her that the good man will receive these fruits free of charge. Say what? Praewdao laments that if he buys, he must pay. But she soon learns why these two men are quite redeemable.

A gang shows up at the fruit stand and asks the owner if her business is doing well. She meekly nods her head and they order her to bring out the service payment. Ryu balks at the idea that these men are hustling innocent vendors and remarks that the law states that she only owes them the rental fee. The baddie states that ‘it’s their law.’

This will not do, Ryu throws the first punch as Takeshi shields Praewdao and tucks her in a safe area before aiding his hot-headed mate. Back to back, the boys swiftly handle the baddies until they take out their weapons.

“We didn’t bring any weapons,” Ryu states, always one to run head first into situations. No matter, they fiercely confront the swords. But Praewdao is not one to stand idly and throws an orange at the baddie to help Takeshi. Lol, she’s awesome.

By now the bodyguards and warriors noticed that the Young Master is MIA.

Meanwhile, as Takeshi checks on Praewdao, a baddie catches him off guard and slashes his arm. Blood seep through his jacket and on the ground. Oh no you didn’t. The warriors spot this, as they walk in a straight line – the biggest of the warriors takes out his gun and shoots the baddie right in the hand. Okay, you are pretty badass.

The owner pulls Seiko – Praewdao out of the spotlight as the warriors approach their Young Master. They tell Ryu to take Young Master to the hospital, but our stubborn Takeshi spats that it’s merely a small wound, to which, the warriors order him home, lest his father becomes more concerned. They drag the rest of the baddies with them for questioning. I’m glad that these warriors are the good guys, otherwise, what would this world come to?

Takeshi turns for one more look at Praewdao before he’s ushered away. The owner cries at the state of her fruit stand.

Mom tends to Takeshi’s wound while the leader (dad) scolds Ryu for getting into trouble and underestimating his opponents. New gang members are formed every day, they have to be mindful. Everyone is out to take over Onitsuka’s powers.

Takeshi looks away, and tells his dad that it’s hard to end something that you’ve already started. Mafia dad wonders why his son, who is second to none in fighting skills, ends up getting hurt? Takeshi retorts that he prefers to use reasoning instead of his fist, but his comment only got further scolding that he’s weak. For this reason, his father could not entrust Onisuka to him. Doesn’t matter, Takeshi spites that his older brother is handling everything already, he doesn’t want to die defending power. Mom counters that he ought to be proud of being a samurai lineage and part of this clan, but Takeshi argues that if it is so great, why does mom cry all the time? That earned him a slap by mom.

Ryu makes his escape from the father-son strife and thanks his lucky stars that he’s not in the same shoes. You and me both.

Takeshi apologizes to his father for speaking out what he’s truly thinking. His father won’t stand the defiance, but before he could do anything further, someone alerted them of a fire.

Turns out, our cunning Ryu had started a small fire to save Takeshi. Heh. How resourceful.

Sorel orders the three warriors to ensure that the gang members speak out as to who they belong to, because letting them go would mean allowing the tiger to run free (even if they could potentially be on the police’s side.)

Night falls as Takeshi’s mom is found crying alone. She wipes them away when he enters the room. She tenderly asks him if his wound hurt. He tells her that nothing hurts him more than his mother’s tears, she cries like this every time Sorel goes out to handle the criminals. Mom relents that Sorel’s wife must be tough and she must support her husband. There should be no tears, only pride should her husband die on duty. Takeshi comments that she’s strong in front of his father, but she secretly cries not knowing if her husband will come back alive. Is this the strength and honor that should be reciprocated?

Mom drills home that any woman who enters Onisuka need to be as strong as the leader, and that includes his future bride. That’s heavy stuff.

Praewdao learns a bit more about the two men at the fruit stand. They belong to the Onitsuka clan, who are a long line of Samurai warriors. They are the good guys who protect the country, despite not having a seat in the government. Praewdao thinks that the two men appear to be no different than the gang members who messed with them. The owner tells her that the two men are ‘brothers.’ (She means cousins.) The calm, quiet one is Takeshi, the youngest heir of Onitsuka, while the more unruly (playboy) one is Ryu, nephew of Sorel (his father died when he was young.) The term Sorel is used when speaking about a leader of a powerful family. Praewdao notices that the owner speaks of Onitsuka very respectfully and learns that without this particular group, they would not live so peacefully.

In the blossom park, Takeshi snaps pictures of the blooms but notices his crush in his line of vision. He proceeds to take pictures of her, inconspicuously. Soon his quiet moment is ruined as Ryu’s voice is heard quite loudly that he ought to take pictures of the girls over there, what is he doing here? Ha.

Ryu’s voice carries over to Praewdao who is surprised to see them again. A girl’s just trying to have lunch. Takeshi is whisked away by his incorrigible cousin.

Next we see Takeshi in the library, as he spots Praewdao studying. He’s happy just to stand there and watch her. He follows her at a safe distance as she disembarks the train home. He stands in the corner, taking pictures of her riding the bike. The stalker thing is only cute because Mario is doing it. Ha.

But we understand why he’s reluctant to approach someone he likes, and prefers to look at her from afar. The reminder from his mother, that any woman who enters the family would have to be as strong as the leader, is still fresh in his mind. He also knows that it means his future wife would spend a lot of her time crying or pretending to be strong in front of him. Even though it’s not a life he wishes to live, it is the reality, and it’s something he wouldn’t wish on Praewdao.

Aiko storms into the dining room tattling dad that her brother refuses to obey her wishes (teaching the dancer a lesson.) Bro tells her that he refuses to let her do nonsensical things, but Aiko argues that anything that has to do with Takeshi is definitely worthwhile. Her father kindly chides her that it is normal that Takeshi has admirers, he’s handsome and wealthy. Her brother chastises that she’s acting like a wife when she’s only a future fiancée. Heh. Dad comforts her that there’s no way Takeshi will look at another woman, after all, the two leaders have decided his fate. With that, she orders her father to rush the engagement ceremony pronto. Daddy tells her he will get right to it. Lol. Misikawa learns that a gang messed with Takeshi earlier today and wonders out loud who dared to mess with the Onitsuka? He hides a smirk.

In the meeting room clan Onitsuka learns that the perpetrators belong to Sato group, who recently moved to the region to conduct a gambling business, and the cops have not meddled with their activities to date. If the cops are unwilling to meddle, Soler surmises that it is now up to them to make things right. Older son chimes in that those gang members are mere riffraffs, but Soler chides his older son to be more vigil if he wants to takeover for him. Ouch. Soler orders his warriors to return the gang members and remind them that they can’t terrorize this town.

The warriors do their preventative ass whooping at Sato’s clan bar. He comes face to face with the leader (well hello Deaw) who is none to please that his employees have been returned. He denies knowing the employees but our warrior finds him a cowardly leader and proceeds to shoot up (destroy) all of the bottles of alcohol at the bar. But this threat only serves to anger Sato even more; he kills his own employee and vows vengeance on Onitsuka.

In the bathing house, Onitsuka and Misawa discuss the threat of Sato. Their town has been peaceful for so long, Onisuka refuses for some mafia gang to ruin their peacekeeping. Older brother spies Takeshi daydreaming and Ryu (that big mouth) utters that Takeshi must be thinking about a girl. Takeshi scolds his cousin with a stare down. Soler reminds his son that Aiko is busy learning household crafts that she’s unable to dine with them, as if reminding him that he should only think about Aiko. Misawa adds that his daughter is currently learning all of the skills to be a housewife and she’s exceptional at everything. But in truth we see that Aiko is failing at all of the skills, whether that’s brewing tea, decorating flowers or making sushi. And in anger, she takes it out on her teachers.

Daddy dearest suggests that they move up the engagement so that the two families can become one. Takeshi laments that Sorel promises to wait until he graduates, but Sorel tells him that it doesn’t matter, because he will be engaged anyway. Takeshi doesn’t budge, he wants to finish school and help out with the family business before thinking about himself. Pop’s not to please to hear this since this Youngest Master likes to defy him at every turn.

Misikawa interjects the argument and sides with Takeshi. Sorel lets it go, for now.

Aiko’s brother, despite not condoning his spoilt sister, doesn’t like the idea that Takeshi may not want to marry Aiko. His father feels the same way but no matter because Aiko will unite with Takeshi in marriage because the moment the two family merge, they will become untouchable. You can think of it as a merger and acquisition.

Takeshi and Ryu practice their sword fighting, expelling their frustrated energy. Apparently screaming is part of the ritual. As they take a breather, Ryu chides Takeshi for being so perfect, great at kendo, at school. He’s practically a person who requires no improvement. Heh. Takeshi takes it as a compliment but he’s not feeling the teasing from his cousin today. Ryu notices his crestfallen face and reminds him that Takeshi used to tell him that duty and responsibility came from the blood.

“I know. I have a meeting after school so-“

“What’s the point of going to school when you have to help the family business?” questions Ryu, coming from someone who apparently has more freedom to choose.

“Not everyone is born smart. One has to seek education.”

As Takeshi makes his way out the house, auntie hands him the cleaned handkerchief (the one that came from Praewdao.) She asks him to be careful because she doesn’t want to see him hurt. Takeshi replies that he has Ryu, heh. Auntie says that Ryu is too distracted with girls, but Takeshi retorts that there isn’t anything that Ryu could not do. I think I’m going to love this bromance. The two have so much respect for each other. Finally, Auntie comments that it seems Aiko is very good with needlework, and that Takeshi should be happy to have such a capable future mistress. Takeshi dashes away with a comment that Aiko did not make this handkerchief. Auntie mutters under her breath that she hopes Aiko won’t find out.

Meanwhile Aiko storms the department hall of the supposed girl who stared at Takeshi. (Yes, for daring to look at him.)

Takeshi orders his bodyguard to wait for him in the car, but they were ordered by Sorel to protect Takeshi at every corner. Our guy finds it frustrating and annoying, since all of the students cower away out of fear when they see the bodyguards. Without looking at where he’s going, Takeshi walks right into Praewdao who was carrying an armful of books, which scattered to the ground.

“I’m sorry,” he immediately says and rushes to help her. As the two look up, well its fate. Takeshi just smiles, happy for the second run in.

Ryu clears his throat when he spots Aiko at 12 o’clock. Takeshi knows what that means so he grabs Praewdao’s arm and makes a beeline for a hiding spot. Ryu ushers the bodyguards away as they disappear just in time before Aiko shows up.

The duo hide in a corner – quite closely I might add – while Takeshi covers her mouth with his hand to keep her from asking questions. When Aiko passes by safely, Takeshi releases her but Praewdao smacks him for good measure. Just because his dad is big in town, it doesn’t mean he could harass people. But as she smacks him a couple of times with her purse, she notices blood seeping from his shirt. Oh crap, it’s the wound that he got from saving her the other time.

She takes him to the nurse where they bandage him. “I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you again.”

“Again?” he repeats.

“You got this wound while helping me and I caused you to be in pain again at the same spot,” Praewdao says tritefully.

He smiles at her, which is unnerving to her because he can still smile while in pain.

“Your sincerity made me forget my pain,” he replies. He hands her back the red handkerchief.

“You may keep it, it’s my offering.”

“I thought you may want this back since you’ve embroidered Sakura flowers on them,” says Takeshi.

“It’s my favorite handkerchief actually, but I’m giving it to you because you saved me the other day.”

He thanks her with a smile, but pause because he still has yet to know her name.

“Mr. Onisuka, you may call me Seiko like everyone.”

“You know who I am?” he questions.

“Is there anyone in this town that doesn’t know you?” she replies. Then she notices that she’s going to be late for class and excuses herself.

Sato makes his selection of women, apparently doing more than just gambling business. His minions report that they’ve already paid off the cops about their newest shipment. They wonder if Sato is becoming fearless against the clans that are running this town, but Sato remarks that he doesn’t give a shit, because it’s only a matter of time that the whole town will be his.

Takeshi caresses the handkerchief and is floating on cloud 9, lol. The more he finds himself in her presence, the more his initial attraction and feelings grow. Ryu sticks his head in his cousin’s room as per usual but he doesn’t get a response. He waves his hand in front of Takeshi’s face.

“Get your hand out of my face,” Takeshi says, annoyed.

“Oh so you can see it,” oh you big tease, “thought you’ve lost your mind over a girl.”

“I’m not blind.”

“You’re not blind – “ Ryu laughs, “but you’re so in love that you can’t take your hands off of this handkerchief.”

“Can you NOT meddle with this?” Heh.

“I don’t want to. So you like paper stars?”

“Seiko’s Thai name is Praewdao,” Takeshi replies.

As if that explains everything to Ryu, who adorably continues his teasing. He wonders if Takeshi will send these finished paper stars to Seiko? But Takeshi tells him that he doesn’t want to burden her with his confession. Ryu palms the stars with a knowing smile.

Sure enough, as Seiko/Praewdao opens her locker, she spots a solitary paper star on her book. Cute. She wonders how it got there, thinking that that isn’t the last place she had put it. To confirm this, Praewdao goes to the library and searches for the last book she borrowed, and sure enough, the star is there. Curious indeed.

From there, every place she meanders over seems to have a cute paper star next to it. Praewdao peers questioningly at her good friend. At the end of the day, a little boy stops her and hands over a paper star, and that night Praewdao adds the last star to her collection with a smile. Who doesn’t like having a secret admirer?

Meanwhile our secret admirer gazes at a photo of his crush while we enjoy the song by ETC that regales from our hero’s perspective; he simply will not love another. Aw.

The next morning Takeshi spots her in the courtyard, chatting with her friend who comments that she’s looking more vibrant these days, it must be because of the paper stars. At the sound of that, Takeshi smiles, but wonders how in the world those stars made it to her.

Ryu is caught in the act, just as he is about to toss the stars over the courtyard. Takeshi asks if Ryu is the person who’s leaving his paper stars for Seiko. Ryu retorts that it’s his job, because Takeshi’s heart told him to do this. Lol. He orders the bodyguards and Ryu into secrecy, no one is to know that Takeshi is making paper flowers for Seiko. Ryu makes it Takeshi’s responsibility to send Seiko a paper flower every day from now on, because it makes her happy. Oh you little Cupid.

Aiko finally catches up to him and immediately hangs on to his arm. She reports to him that she’s quite capable of flower handling now and he should come over and visit her sometimes. Ryu laughs at that, he’s sure she’s taking courses, but he’s not too sure that the flower arrangement would come in any good. Lol. I love Ryu.

Aiko broaches the subject of engagement and that she’s ready but Takeshi isn’t quite. He tells her the same thing he told the clansmen. She says that she has a lot of money and doesn’t have to worry while Takeshi cares more about earning his own living. She suggests that he can meddle with little things because he has a big brother, and the younger ones usually can take it easy. He doesn’t pay attention to what she’s saying as he’s too busy scouring the area for his crush. Heh.

Said crush is back at her part time job at the fruit stand. The minute she gets there she’s harassed by men, who orders her to pay up before the shop can close. The owner cowers and does as they bid, while she orders Praewdao to give them some fruit. Later, the owner tells her that those are Unisuka’s men and they show up weekly to collect payment. Praewdao doesn’t think its fair, but the owner says that everyone in town is happy to pay the clan for taking care of them.

The men of Unisuka confer over a bottle of sake as the older son suggests that his dad ought to take his mom out, even for a night. Ryu chimes in that older bro should take his wife on a trip so that they can make grandbabies for Sorel. Lol.

Suddenly they hear a swish of clothing from across the roof. Someone had cartwheeled their way into their property. The men dispersed to track the black figure.

The intruder fights off the men one at a time, big bro, Takeshi and then finally Ryu, coming out as the more skilled fighter. Sorel even compliments as the tip of the sword is pointed to him, that the intruder deserves to be part of Onitsuka’s clan, which surprises everyone there. It’s Haro, the head warrior’s (Koji) only son. That explains it, he better be good, since he’s a future warrior.

At the Sakura blossom park, Ryu approaches Praewdao and she nearly hightails out of there. Heh. But he tells her that Unisuka won’t harm women, if that’s any solace. He asks for the blossom in her hands and she worriedly tells him that she didn’t know they weren’t allowed to keep flowers. She’s practically tippy toeing around any Onitsuka encounters, especially after what had happened the other day. She nods her head and tells him that the flowers are no longer attached to her person and then she’s out.

This leaves Ryu scratching his head in confusion. He merely wanted to collect the blossom so he could hand it over to his cousin. Ryu hands over the blossom to Takeshi with a mention that her scent is sweeter than the blossom itself. Ha. If Takeshi doesn’t hurry and court her, he would. Oh you devil. But we know he’s not serious, he’s just prodding his cousin.

Takeshi fears that Aiko would antagonize Seiko, but Ryu tells him that Aiko is too busy planning the engagement. He urges Takeshi to talk to Seiko.

He finally does, trailing behind her through the blossom trees, through the streets, and as she makes her way home on the train. She finally notices him at a small shop when they run into each other again. Before she could say his name, he places his hand over her mouth. Heh. He tells her that he doesn’t want to attract attention, once she gives her assent, he removes his hand.

“I was in the neighborhood to visit a friend, do you live around here?” he asks.

She tries to be politely curt, but he side steps her. “I’m visiting a sick friend, can you help me select a gift basket?”

She couldn’t say no to a sick friend. It’s like leaving a puppy on the side of the road, or throwing away chocolate.

Praewdao concedes and he walks her home, stating how coincidental it is that she lives near his friend’s house. Suuuuure.

He wonders if all students from Thailand are smart like her. She tells him that she’s actually lucky to be here on scholarship, beating out other Thai students. While her parents are against this, they conceded thanks to her professor’s intervention. Which gives her the opportunity to study here – and Takeshi adds that it gave him the opportunity to meet her. Heh.

Takeshi watches her walk away with a smile, and then couldn’t help but to steal another peak at her retreating back.

Praewdao contemplates to herself that there is no way he would be interested in a person with a different nationality like herself.

Little did she know that just touching her face or being near her makes Takeshi smile like a silly fool. Even his cousin Ryu notices this as he waits for Takeshi by the car. He points out that Takeshi will have sweet dreams tonight. Heh.

Dinner time at Onitsuka, big brother and wifey are expecting their first child. Soler is happy and tells them to give him more grandchildren so that their business is prosperous. As he says this, he peers at Ryu, his nephew, the only person who hasn’t been engaged to anyone yet. Soler tells Ryu that he’s been in discussion about his engagement and found the perfect prospect: Mayumi (Yaya Urassaya), oldest daughter of a wealthy businessman. She’s smart (#1 in each class), beautiful, and capable at Kendo. Ryu balks at the idea, but Soler tells his nephew that Mayumi will enter college next year and they ought to engage at the same time as Takeshi. No getting out of this one, buddy, it’s another merger and acquisition. Dinner doesn’t go down as easily this time around for Ryu.

He storms around their backyard, frustrated that he has to be engaged to a highschooler. LOL. Takeshi questions whether he thinks he could escape his fate because he’s a nephew? Heh. Misery loves company. Furthermore, Takeshi relents that they can only follow their hearts in their dream. Aiko can’t be further from his dream girl, while Ryu is still lucky that Mayumi isn’t like her. Like how? Ryu wonders, because he’s never even sniffed the girl before. Such is their life, Takeshi exonerates, they must accept their fate being born in such a family: Unisuka.

The boys contemplate the end of their lives as they know it.

While Takeshi knows what he should do, that doesn’t mean that he still shouldn’t do what his heart yearns, which is to continue peering and following.. Praewdao. Totally harmless stuff, right?

COMMENTS

I love beginnings.

Especially when beginnings entail a budding love story/crush coming from our hero. Takeshi is such a gentle soul, quite relegated to accepting his fate. Right now, if he had a choice, he would not choose to born Onitsuka. He’s quite happy being a normal person who can chase his own dreams and be with the person he loves. As oppose to a family that’s highly regarded to protect others, above their own lives.

Despite relegating himself to accepting his fate – and constantly reminding himself and his cousin that their paths have been predetermined and there’s no point in arguing about it. Still, he doesn’t have something to fight for, and he still hasn’t learned his true potential (especially when he has an older brother and who he thinks will take on the Sorel role down the road.)

I am fascinated at how the story will turn, now that he’s quite established that he yearns for Praewdao, who on the other hand, is sweet and strong at the same time. She’s got a good head on her shoulders and I’m already in love with her character. I do wish to see more of her story – her dreams and aspirations – and her will. The chemistry between our two leads are exactly as I remember it from Plerng Torranong!

For a first episode, the love story is established quickly and the conflict to achieving that love quite vast. But I find myself completely pulled into Ryu’s character as well, perhaps because he’s so outgoing, so vivacious and cunning. His shenanigans have won me over. Being the venerable playboy who isn’t tied to being the leader, his carefreeness is attractive. That is until he learns that he’s going to be tied down to someone he doesn’t even know, I can bet that the shenanigans that he will pull, will only bite him in the ass later. Love him. Excited to see his scenes with Mayumi.

But above all, I LOVE his scenes with Takeshi. These two bounce off each other quite well and I’m loving the bromance. We’re getting the best of both worlds.

This is going to be a fun ride, who’s with me?

Song played throughout this episode:

Here’s a family tree:

*chart credit to asianfuse